Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#2450

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Lucio Co

CEO, Puregold Price Club Inc.

Real-Time Net Worth

$1.51B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Retail

Industry

fashion-retail

Citizenship

Biography

Lucio Co is a prominent Filipino businessman known for his significant contributions to the retail industry. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is $1.51 billion. He co-founded Puregold Price Club, a leading chain of hypermarkets and supermarkets in the Philippines, with his wife Susan Co in 1998. Co's career began with a liquor store in the 1970s, before recognizing the potential of serving small retailers with affordable wholesale prices, which became the foundation of Puregold's success. He currently serves as the chairman of Cosco Capital Inc., Puregold, and S&R Membership Shopping. His business ventures also include interests in liquor distribution, real estate, and energy.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Cosco Capital Inc.

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Lucio Co was born in Manila, Philippines, in 1956. His parents were Chinese immigrants who owned an Atlantic Glassware store. He grew up in Santo Cristo, Divisoria. During his youth, he reportedly worked as a stevedore to earn money.

Rise to Success

Lucio Co's entrepreneurial journey began with a small liquor store in Manila in the 1970s. Recognizing a gap in the market, he saw the need for affordable wholesale prices for small "sari-sari" store owners. This insight led to the creation of Puregold Price Club in 1998, with its first branch in Mandaluyong City.

Key Business Strategies

Puregold's success is rooted in strategic location targeting, focusing on areas with many small retailers. The company also developed private-label products to improve margins, and acquired S&R Membership Shopping to tap into the premium market. His business empire has grown significantly, with revenue from Cosco Capital's main subsidiary, Puregold, being the main profit generator.

Philanthropy

Lucio Co is involved in philanthropy and community development. He was recognized as an Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor of Bacolod City for his contributions to its economy. His projects include supporting the Bacolod Real Estate Development Corporation (BREDCO), S&R Membership Shopping, and port facilities.

Career Milestones

1998

Founded Puregold Price Club

Co-founded Puregold Price Club in Mandaluyong City, Philippines

2011

Puregold Goes Public

Puregold Price Club was inaugurated as a listing on the Philippine Stock Exchange

2024

Honorary Mayor of Bacolod City

Recognized as Adopted Son and Honorary Mayor of Bacolod City in recognition of his contributions

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Community Development

Support for Bacolod City

Undisclosed

Contributions to the economy of Bacolod City through projects like BREDCO port facilities, S&R Membership Shopping and Puregold

Education

LCCKFI Scholarship Grants

Undisclosed

LCCKFI extends scholarship grants to qualified and deserving S&R employees and others

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“We don't chase growth for growth's sake. Every store must earn its keep.”"

Leadership Principles

Hands-on management

Regularly visits stores to check operations

Employee empowerment

Promotes from within, with many executives starting as cashiers

Frugality

Maintains a modest office and avoids lavish spending

Customer Focus

Focuses on serving his customer's needs